New Build Home Energy Efficiency: The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Avoiding Hidden Costs

Picture this: you’re standing in your brand-new home, yet your energy bills are climbing higher each month even though having supposedly “modern” systems. You’re not alone – many new homeowners discover that new build energy efficiency isn’t automatically guaranteed, even in today’s construction market.

The truth about new build homes might surprise you. While developers often highlight energy-saving features in their marketing materials, the reality can be quite different once you move in. From poorly fitted insulation to inefficient heating systems, new builds can harbour hidden energy drains that cost you hundreds annually.

Understanding what makes a truly energy-efficient new build – and how to identify potential issues before you buy – could save you thousands in utility costs. More importantly, it’ll ensure your new home delivers the comfort and sustainability you expected from day one.

Understanding New Build Home Energy Efficiency

Understanding energy efficiency in new builds requires looking beyond marketing promises to examine actual performance data. Energy efficiency depends on multiple interconnected systems working together effectively.

What Makes New Builds More Energy Efficient

Modern construction standards create significant advantages over older properties through regulated building practices. Building Regulations Part L mandates specific thermal performance requirements that older homes typically cannot match.

Insulation standards in new builds exceed historical requirements by 300-400%. Wall insulation reaches U-values of 0.18 W/m²K compared to 0.45 W/m²K in properties built before 2002. Roof insulation achieves 0.11 W/m²K versus 0.25 W/m²K in homes constructed during the 1990s.

Air tightness testing ensures new builds maintain 5 air changes per hour at 50 pascals pressure or less. Older properties commonly experience 15-20 air changes per hour, creating substantial heat loss through gaps and cracks.

Double or triple glazing comes standard in new construction with U-values between 1.2-1.6 W/m²K. Single-glazed windows in period properties register 5.0 W/m²K, losing five times more heat through glass surfaces.

Modern heating systems include condensing boilers with 90-95% efficiency ratings compared to 65-75% efficiency in systems over 15 years old. Heat pumps in premium developments achieve seasonal performance factors of 3.5-4.5, generating 3.5-4.5 units of heat per unit of electricity consumed.

Mechanical ventilation systems recover 85-95% of heat from extracted air whilst maintaining indoor air quality. Older properties rely on natural ventilation through windows and vents, losing heated air directly to the exterior.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Ratings Explained

EPC ratings measure annual energy consumption per square metre using a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The assessment considers heating, lighting, hot water and ventilation energy requirements.

New builds typically achieve B or C ratings with energy consumption between 25-75 kWh/m² annually. Victorian terraces commonly register E or F ratings consuming 150-300 kWh/m² each year.

SAP calculations (Standard Assessment Procedure) generate EPC scores using property dimensions, construction materials, heating systems and renewable energy installations. The assessment excludes electrical appliances and occupant behaviour patterns.

Carbon dioxide emissions receive separate ratings indicating environmental impact per square metre annually. A-rated properties produce under 10 kg CO?/m² compared to G-rated homes generating over 80 kg CO?/m² yearly.

EPC recommendations list specific improvements with estimated costs and potential energy savings. Upgrading from rating E to C typically reduces heating bills by 35-45% whilst increasing property values by 2-3%.

Green Deal assessments complement EPCs by identifying cost-effective efficiency measures where energy savings exceed improvement costs over time. Solar panels, upgraded boilers and enhanced insulation commonly qualify for Green Deal financing arrangements.

Essential Energy Efficiency Features in New Build Homes

Modern new build homes integrate four critical energy efficiency systems that reduce carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to older properties. Each feature works together to create homes that meet the Future Homes Standard requirements.

High-Performance Insulation Systems

High-performance insulation systems form the thermal envelope of your new build home. Advanced insulation materials achieve U-values as low as 0.18 W/m²K for walls and 0.13 W/m²K for roofs, significantly exceeding Building Regulations Part L requirements.

Enhanced wall insulation includes continuous insulation layers that eliminate thermal bridging. Rigid foam boards, mineral wool, and spray foam insulation create uninterrupted thermal barriers across external walls, foundations, and roof structures.

Floor insulation extends beneath concrete slabs and suspended timber floors using high-density materials like extruded polystyrene or polyurethane foam. This comprehensive approach prevents heat loss through ground contact and maintains consistent internal temperatures.

Airtightness testing measures at 3 air changes per hour at 50 pascals pressure, preventing drafts and reducing heating demand by up to 30%. Vapour control layers and sealed joints around windows, doors, and service penetrations maintain this airtight envelope.

Advanced Heating and Ventilation

Advanced heating systems in new builds centre on heat pumps that deliver 300-400% efficiency compared to traditional boilers. Air source heat pumps extract thermal energy from outside air temperatures as low as -15°C, while ground source systems maintain consistent performance year-round.

Low-temperature heating distribution uses larger radiators or underfloor heating systems operating at 35-45°C water temperatures. This matches heat pump output characteristics and maximises system efficiency throughout winter months.

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems recover up to 85% of heat from extracted air before expelling it outside. Fresh air enters through dedicated intake points and passes through heat exchangers that transfer warmth from outgoing stale air.

Balanced ventilation maintains positive indoor air quality while preserving thermal comfort. Extract points in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms remove moisture and odours, while supply points deliver filtered fresh air to bedrooms and living areas.

Energy-Efficient Windows and Glazing

Energy-efficient glazing systems feature triple glazing with U-values of 0.8 W/m²K or lower, reducing heat transmission through windows by 60% compared to standard double glazing. Argon gas fills between glass panes provide additional thermal resistance.

Low-emissivity coatings reflect infrared radiation back into rooms while allowing visible light transmission. These microscopic metallic layers reduce heat loss during winter and prevent excessive solar gain during summer months.

Window frame materials include composite profiles combining timber cores with aluminium cladding or high-performance uPVC with multiple chambers. These frames eliminate thermal bridging and maintain structural integrity across temperature variations.

Solar heat gain coefficients range from 0.4 to 0.6, balancing natural light admission with thermal control. South-facing windows maximise beneficial solar gain during winter, while east and west orientations include external shading to prevent overheating.

Smart Lighting Solutions

Smart lighting systems integrate LED technology delivering 80-90% energy savings compared to incandescent bulbs. LED fittings produce 80-100 lumens per watt and operate for 25,000-50,000 hours before replacement.

Automated controls include occupancy sensors that activate lighting when rooms are occupied and daylight sensors that adjust artificial lighting based on natural light levels. These systems reduce electricity consumption by 20-40% through optimised usage patterns.

Zoned lighting circuits allow independent control of different areas within open-plan living spaces. Dimmer controls adjust light intensity according to activities like reading, cooking, or entertaining while maintaining energy efficiency.

Smart home integration connects lighting controls to central management systems accessible through smartphone apps or voice commands. Programmable schedules activate lights during occupied hours and maintain security lighting during absence periods.

How to Evaluate Energy Efficiency When Buying

Evaluating energy efficiency requires examining official documentation and asking developers specific technical questions. Focus on verifiable data rather than marketing claims to make informed decisions about your new build purchase.

Reading and Comparing EPC Ratings

Energy Performance Certificate ratings use an A-G scale where A represents the highest efficiency. New builds typically achieve A or B ratings due to modern construction standards, while older properties often score E or F ratings.

EPC certificates measure annual energy consumption across six key areas:

• Insulation – wall, floor, and roof thermal performance
• Heating systems – boiler efficiency and heat pump technology
• Windows – glazing performance and thermal bridging
• Lighting – LED systems and smart controls
• Ventilation – mechanical heat recovery systems
• Renewable energy – solar panels and heat pumps

Request the EPC certificate before viewing properties to compare energy costs accurately. Properties with A ratings consume 75-80% less energy than those rated F, translating to annual savings of £800-1,200 on heating bills.

Check the certificate’s recommendations section for improvement suggestions. Properties requiring minimal upgrades indicate superior build quality and future-proofed design.

Key Questions to Ask Developers

Ask developers these specific questions to verify energy efficiency claims:

What EPC rating does this home achieve? Request to see the actual certificate rather than accepting verbal confirmation. Properties should score A or B ratings to meet current standards.

Which insulation materials and thickness levels were used? Quality developments use 150mm+ wall insulation and 300mm+ loft insulation, exceeding Building Regulations minimums by 20-30%.

What heating system is installed? Heat pumps deliver 300-400% efficiency compared to gas boilers at 90% efficiency. Air source heat pumps cost £8,000-12,000 but reduce heating costs by 40-50%.

Are renewable energy features included? Solar panels generate 3,000-4,000kWh annually, reducing electricity bills by £600-800. Battery storage systems cost £4,000-6,000 but provide energy independence.

How does the build comply with 2025 regulations? The Future Homes Standard requires 75-80% carbon emission reductions. Properties meeting these standards avoid costly retrofitting expenses.

Can you provide airtightness test results? Quality new builds achieve 3-5 air changes per hour, significantly better than the 10 air changes per hour Building Regulations requirement.

Identifying Future-Proof Features

Future-proof new builds incorporate technologies that exceed current Building Regulations and prepare for upcoming changes in 2025.

Heat pump systems replace gas boilers to meet the Future Homes Standard’s low-carbon heating requirements. Air source heat pumps cost £8,000-12,000 but qualify for government grants up to £7,500. Ground source systems cost £15,000-20,000 but deliver higher efficiency ratings.

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) captures 85-95% of waste heat from extracted air. These systems cost £3,000-5,000 but reduce heating demand by 15-20% while maintaining indoor air quality.

Triple glazing and advanced insulation create thermal performance levels exceeding standard requirements. Triple glazed windows achieve U-values of 0.8 W/m²K compared to double glazing at 1.4 W/m²K, reducing heat loss by 40%.

Smart home integration includes programmable heating controls, energy monitoring systems, and EV charging points. These features add £2,000-4,000 to build costs but provide long-term savings through optimised energy consumption.

Properties incorporating these technologies typically achieve EPC ratings of A and annual heating costs below £300, compared to £1,200+ for older homes. These features also increase property values by 5-10% and ensure compliance with future environmental regulations.

Maximising Energy Efficiency in Your New Build

Your new build’s energy efficiency depends on how effectively you manage its advanced systems and technology. Proper configuration and usage of these features can deliver the promised energy savings and comfort levels.

Optimising Heating Controls and Settings

Low-carbon heating systems in new builds from 2024/25 require precise setup to deliver optimal performance and savings. Your heat pump or hydrogen-ready system operates differently from traditional boilers and demands specific control strategies.

Configure your programmable thermostat to match your daily routine rather than maintaining constant temperatures. Heat pumps perform most efficiently with gentle temperature adjustments of 1-2°C rather than dramatic changes. Set lower temperatures during sleep hours (16-18°C) and occupied periods (19-21°C) to maximise system efficiency.

Zoning controls allow you to heat specific areas based on usage patterns. Close heating zones in unused rooms during weekdays and activate guest bedroom heating only when required. This targeted approach reduces energy consumption by 15-25% compared to whole-house heating.

Monitor your system’s coefficient of performance (COP) through the display panel. Heat pumps achieving COP values above 3.0 indicate efficient operation. Values below 2.5 suggest system adjustments or maintenance requirements.

Smart Home Technology Integration

Smart meters provide real-time energy consumption data that reveals usage patterns and identifies wasteful practices. Check your smart meter display weekly to track progress and spot unusual consumption spikes that indicate system problems.

Energy monitoring apps connected to your smart meter show appliance-level consumption data. These apps highlight which devices consume the most energy and suggest optimal usage times based on tariff rates. Peak consumption typically occurs between 4-7pm when electricity costs are highest.

Automated systems manage heating, lighting, and appliance operation without manual intervention. Programme your heating to reduce temperatures 30 minutes before leaving home and increase them 30 minutes before returning. This scheduling maintains comfort whilst reducing energy waste by 10-15%.

Smart thermostats learn your preferences and adjust settings automatically. These devices can reduce heating costs by 8-15% through predictive algorithms that anticipate temperature requirements based on weather forecasts and occupancy patterns.

Connect your smart home hub to weather services for automatic system adjustments. Sunny days require less heating whilst windy conditions may trigger additional insulation measures like closing blinds or curtains.

Energy-Efficient Appliance Selection

A-rated appliances consume 20-50% less energy than lower-rated alternatives and directly impact your home’s overall energy performance. Your new build’s energy calculations assume efficient appliance usage to achieve the promised EPC rating.

Washing machines with A+++ ratings use 32% less energy than A-rated models. Select cold water cycles for lightly soiled items and full loads to maximise efficiency. Modern detergents work effectively at 30°C temperatures.

Refrigerators account for 13-20% of household electricity consumption. Choose models with inverter compressors that adjust cooling power based on internal temperature rather than switching on and off repeatedly. These systems reduce energy consumption by 25-40%.

Dishwashers with eco-modes use 25% less energy and water than standard cycles. Run full loads and skip pre-rinsing as modern dishwashers handle food residue effectively. Air-drying instead of heated drying saves additional energy.

Tumble dryers with heat pump technology use 50% less energy than conventional models. These systems recycle hot air rather than venting it outside. Clean the lint filter after each use to maintain optimal airflow and efficiency.

Water-efficient appliances reduce both energy and water consumption. Your new build includes water efficiency measures alongside energy conservation to minimise utility costs. Choose appliances with Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) ratings above 4 stars for optimal resource usage.

Understanding Building Regulations and Standards

Building regulations define the legal framework for energy efficiency in your new build home. Part L of the Building Regulations sets minimum energy performance requirements that builders must follow.

Current UK Building Standards for Energy Efficiency

Part L of the Building Regulations governs energy efficiency standards for new build homes across the UK. These regulations mandate specific performance benchmarks that focus on reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions through enhanced insulation, heating, lighting, and ventilation systems.

Your new build must comply with technical measures including U-values (heat loss metrics) that determine how much heat passes through building materials. Builders use the SAP10 assessment method, which replaced the previous SAP2012 system, to demonstrate compliance with Target Emission Rates.

The regulations have evolved significantly since 1972, with standards becoming progressively stricter to increase energy conservation. Builders must provide comprehensive evidence of compliance, including photographic verification, to prove your home meets the required standards.

Current standards require builders to demonstrate compliance through:

• U-value calculations for walls, roofs, floors, and windows
• Airtightness testing to measure unwanted air leakage
• SAP10 energy assessments that calculate annual energy consumption
• Target Emission Rate compliance showing carbon emission limits

Homes built from 2024/25 must incorporate low or zero carbon heating systems and be future-proofed for upcoming low carbon technologies. Local authorities can apply stricter standards within the national framework, meaning your new build might exceed minimum requirements depending on location.

Future Regulations and Compliance Requirements

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) comes into force in 2025 and represents a substantial regulatory upgrade for new build energy efficiency. This standard creates “net zero ready” homes that produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than current building standards.

Your new build constructed after 2025 must meet enhanced requirements that go beyond today’s standards. The FHS mandates high fabric energy efficiency through improved insulation and airtightness, alongside the adoption of low or zero carbon heating and hot water systems.

Future regulations require incorporation of on-site low carbon power generation such as solar panels or other renewable energy systems. Compliance and enforcement measures become stronger under the FHS, including mandatory energy monitoring during actual use rather than just design stage assessments.

Key FHS requirements include:

• Enhanced insulation standards exceeding current U-value requirements
• Low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps or hydrogen-ready boilers
• On-site renewable energy generation to reduce grid dependency
• Improved airtightness standards to minimise heat loss
• Energy monitoring systems to track actual performance

The new Home Energy Model (HEM) consultation aims to replace SAP assessments with more accurate energy rating methods for new builds. This model provides better precision in measuring actual energy performance rather than theoretical calculations.

Regulations consider exceptions where meeting enhanced standards proves genuinely unreasonable due to site constraints or technical limitations. But, these exceptions require detailed justification and alternative compliance methods.

The regulatory framework supports the UK’s legal commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Your new build purchased after 2025 will be designed to integrate with future low carbon infrastructure, including electric vehicle charging and smart grid technologies.

Financial Benefits and Savings

New build energy efficiency delivers measurable financial returns that extend beyond reduced utility bills. You gain access to specialised mortgage products and government support schemes that reward energy-conscious property purchases.

Calculating Energy Bill Reductions

Lower energy bills represent the primary financial advantage of energy-efficient new builds. Triple glazing reduces heat loss by 50% compared to standard double glazing, while efficient heat pump systems achieve coefficients of performance (COP) between 3.0-4.0, meaning you receive 3-4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.

Solar panels generate 3,500-4,200 kWh annually on a typical 4kW domestic installation, reducing electricity costs by £800-£1,200 per year at current rates. Superior insulation standards (U-values of 0.15 W/m²K or lower) cut heating demand by 60-75% compared to older properties.

You can calculate potential savings using this framework:

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings of A or B reduce heating costs by £500-£1,500 annually compared to properties rated E or F. You benefit from these savings immediately upon occupancy, contributing to improved mortgage affordability and long-term financial planning.

Green Mortgage Options and Incentives

Green mortgages offer reduced interest rates for energy-efficient properties, with rate reductions typically ranging from 0.1% to 0.5% below standard rates. Barclays Green Home Mortgage provides cashback up to £1,000 for properties achieving EPC A or B ratings, while Halifax offers rate discounts for homes with predicted energy costs below £1,200 annually.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Minimum EPC rating of A or B for most products
• Proven financial stability through standard affordability assessments
• Property compliance with energy efficiency thresholds set by individual lenders

You access additional benefits including cashback incentives ranging from £500-£2,000 and preferential lending terms that can save £2,000-£8,000 over a typical 25-year mortgage term. Santander Green Additional Borrowing allows extra funds (up to £25,000) for energy efficiency improvements at preferential rates.

Market attractiveness increases significantly for energy-efficient properties, with research indicating 10-15% higher property values for homes achieving EPC A ratings compared to similar properties rated C or below.

Government Grants and Support Schemes

Government funding supports energy-efficient home purchases through multiple schemes totalling £4.1 million in recent sustainable finance project awards. You benefit from regulatory reforms requiring zero-carbon standards for new builds by 2025, ensuring consistent energy performance across developments.

Available support includes:

• Future Homes Standard compliance guaranteeing 75-80% carbon reduction compared to current building standards
• Building Regulation incentives removing local variation in energy standards
• Tax relief potential through green mortgage interest deductions (subject to government policy changes)

EPC improvement grants provide funding for upgrades achieving C rating or better by 2050, aligning with government net-zero targets. You access preferential treatment in Help to Buy schemes for properties meeting enhanced energy standards, with some regions offering additional deposit support for energy-efficient purchases.

Local authority schemes complement national initiatives, offering council tax reductions up to £150 annually for properties achieving EPC A or B ratings in participating areas. You combine multiple incentives to maximise financial benefits from energy-efficient new build purchases.

Common Energy Efficiency Issues in New Builds

New build homes meeting the 2025 Future Homes Standard must produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than previous builds, yet installation defects and system inefficiencies can compromise these targets.

Identifying Installation Problems

Thermal bridges form when insulation gaps or compression occur during construction, creating weak spots that allow heat to escape. You can spot these problems by checking for uneven wall temperatures using an infrared thermometer or by identifying cold spots during winter months.

Poor installation affects multiple building components:

• Insulation defects: Compressed materials lose up to 50% of their thermal performance
• Window sealing gaps: Improper fitting around frames creates air leakage points
• Junction failures: Wall-to-roof connections often develop thermal bridges without careful attention
• Pipe penetrations: Heating and plumbing routes through walls require proper sealing

Look for visible signs like condensation patterns on walls, uneven heating between rooms, or higher-than-expected energy bills in your first year. Building Regulations Part L requires strict quality assurance during construction, but defects still occur in approximately 15% of new builds according to industry surveys.

Document any temperature inconsistencies with photos and thermal readings. Contact your developer within the defects liability period to arrange professional thermal imaging surveys that identify installation problems invisible to standard inspections.

Resolving Ventilation and Draught Issues

Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems recover 85-95% of heat from outgoing air while maintaining indoor air quality standards required by updated Part F Building Regulations. Your system needs proper commissioning to balance air exchange rates with energy efficiency targets.

Common ventilation problems include:

• Insufficient air changes: Rates below 0.5 air changes per hour create stuffiness
• Excessive heat loss: Poor duct insulation wastes recovered heat energy
• Filter blockages: Dirty filters reduce airflow by up to 40% within six months
• Control system errors: Incorrect settings prevent optimal heat recovery operation

Check your MVHR system monthly by examining filters and listening for unusual noises. Clean or replace filters every three months to maintain efficiency ratings. Adjust humidity controls between 40-60% to prevent condensation without over-ventilating heated spaces.

Balance ventilation demands with airtightness targets by sealing deliberate air gaps around windows and doors. Your home requires controlled air exchange through the ventilation system rather than random draughts through construction gaps.

Addressing Heating System Inefficiencies

Heat pump systems in new builds achieve coefficients of performance (COP) between 3.0-4.5 when properly designed and installed by trained professionals. Poor system design reduces efficiency and increases running costs beyond traditional heating methods.

Installation issues that reduce heating efficiency include:

• Undersized heat pumps: Units 20% below capacity requirements struggle in cold weather
• Poor refrigerant charging: Incorrect levels reduce COP ratings by 15-30%
• Inadequate insulation: Heat distribution pipes lose energy without proper lagging
• Control system mismatch: Thermostats incompatible with heat pump operation cycles

Monitor your heat pump’s performance through energy consumption data and indoor temperature consistency. Systems operating efficiently maintain steady temperatures with minimal cycling between on/off states. Record monthly energy usage and compare against manufacturer specifications adjusted for external temperatures.

Contact certified heat pump installers for annual servicing that includes refrigerant level checks, control calibration, and distribution system inspection. Low-carbon heating systems require specialist knowledge that differs from traditional boiler maintenance approaches.

Optimize system performance by setting flow temperatures between 35-45°C for underfloor heating or 45-55°C for radiator systems. Higher temperatures reduce COP ratings and increase electricity consumption without improving comfort levels in well-insulated new builds.

Conclusion

Your journey toward owning an energy-efficient new build doesn’t end at completion. Armed with the right knowledge about EPC ratings building standards and future-proofing features you’re now equipped to make informed decisions that’ll benefit your wallet and the environment.

Remember that true energy efficiency goes beyond marketing promises. It’s about understanding how insulation heating systems and smart technology work together to create a home that meets tomorrow’s standards today.

The financial benefits are substantial – from lower energy bills to green mortgages and increased property values. By staying vigilant about potential installation issues and actively managing your home’s systems you’ll maximise these advantages whilst contributing to the UK’s net zero goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are new build homes actually more energy efficient than older properties?

Yes, new build homes are significantly more energy efficient than older properties. According to the Home Builders Federation, new builds typically use half the energy of older counterparts, with homeowners saving around £780 annually on heating, hot water, and lighting bills. Modern construction standards and advanced insulation systems make this possible.

What EPC rating do new build homes typically achieve?

New build homes typically achieve EPC ratings of B or C, which is significantly better than older properties that usually rate E or F. These higher ratings indicate lower annual energy consumption and reduced environmental impact, translating to lower energy bills and increased property values.

What are the key energy-efficient features in new build homes?

Key features include high-performance insulation systems exceeding Building Regulations requirements, advanced heating and ventilation systems (often heat pumps with MVHR), energy-efficient triple glazing, and smart lighting solutions. These integrated systems can reduce carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to older properties.

How much money can I save with an energy-efficient new build?

New build homeowners can save approximately £65 monthly on energy bills, totalling around £780 annually. For houses specifically, savings can reach £979 per year. The Home Builders Federation reports that buyers save over £2,000 annually on household bills compared to older properties.

What should I ask developers about energy efficiency?

Ask about specific insulation U-values, heating system efficiency ratings, renewable energy features, compliance with Future Homes Standard, and warranty details for energy systems. Request to see EPC certificates, Building Regulations compliance certificates, and details about smart home integration and ventilation systems.

What is the Future Homes Standard and how does it affect new builds?

The Future Homes Standard, effective from 2025, requires new builds to be “net zero ready” with 75-80% lower carbon emissions than current standards. This mandates low or zero carbon heating systems, enhanced insulation, and often on-site renewable energy generation, ensuring long-term energy efficiency.

Can I get a green mortgage for an energy-efficient new build?

Yes, many lenders offer green mortgages with reduced interest rates for energy-efficient properties, typically those with EPC ratings of A or B. These products recognise the lower running costs and reduced financial risk associated with energy-efficient homes, providing additional savings opportunities.

What common energy efficiency problems should I watch for in new builds?

Watch for installation defects such as thermal bridges, insulation gaps, poor window sealing, and inefficient ventilation systems. Temperature inconsistencies, higher-than-expected energy bills, and poor indoor air quality may indicate problems. Consider professional thermal imaging surveys to identify hidden issues.

How can I maximise energy efficiency in my new build home?

Optimise heating controls by programming thermostats to match daily routines, use zoning controls for specific areas, and monitor your heat pump’s coefficient of performance. Choose A-rated appliances, use smart meters to track consumption, and ensure proper maintenance of ventilation systems.

Do energy-efficient new builds increase in value faster?

Yes, energy-efficient new builds tend to appreciate faster than older properties. Homes with higher EPC ratings command higher values in the market, and the upcoming Future Homes Standard requirements will likely increase demand for energy-efficient properties, supporting stronger value growth.